The World Economic Forum has launched its “Playbook of Solutions,” a digital platform featuring 100 policy measures, financing tools, and de-risking strategies that have spurred clean energy investments in 47 emerging and developing economies over the last two decades.

This initiative seeks to tackle the pressing need for increased renewable energy investment, which must expand five to seven times to reach an annual target of $1.7 trillion by 2030.

Emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) are expected to represent 90% of global energy demand growth by 2035. Yet, they currently receive only a small fraction of clean energy investments—less than one-fifth.

This shortfall is partly due to perceived risks and regulatory challenges discouraging many investors.

“The Playbook aims to debunk some of the myths surrounding the developing world and demonstrate that innovative solutions for EMDEs by EMDEs already exist,” said Samaila Zubairu, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), and Co-chair of the Network.

Zubairu highlighted that partnerships spearheaded by institutions like the African Finance Corporation (AFC) are essential for closing the investment gap in the Global South. Such collaborations can accelerate the transition to clean energy, enhance economic resilience, and address these markets’ urgent energy needs.

Alongside cataloging 100 solutions from 47 countries, the Playbook offers detailed analyses of Brazil, Chile, Egypt, and India, demonstrating how these nations have successfully attracted billions in clean energy capital.

The WEF noted that their success frequently results from a strategic combination of policies, financing platforms, and risk mitigation measures.

These strategies encompass government-backed commitments, favorable policies like tax incentives and auctions, guarantees, and currency hedging to alleviate investment risks. Innovative financing structures, including debt swaps, have also been implemented to expand funding avenues.

The Playbook is designed to guide governments, development finance institutions, and private sector entities in effectively navigating clean energy project financing in emerging markets.